Bambi’s timeless narrative of growth, resilience, and connection to nature resonates through these underrated anime.
These series explore themes of identity, environmental harmony, and emotional transformation, offering rich character arcs and unique storytelling approaches often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
1. Last Exile (2003)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 26 | MAL Rating: 7.78
Steampunk pilots Claus and Lavie navigate aerial battles and political intrigue in Prester, a world divided by class warfare.
Similarities: Like Bambi’s loss of innocence, Claus’ journey from idealism to leadership mirrors themes of maturity and responsibility. Studio Gonzo’s lush visuals evoke Bambi’s atmospheric storytelling.
2. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 26 | MAL Rating: 8.12
Warrior Balsa protects a prince harboring a water spirit, balancing duty with environmental stewardship.
Similarities: Themes of nature’s sanctity and maternal protection echo Bambi’s focus on survival and legacy. Production I.G’s animation parallels Disney’s attention to detail.
3. Mushishi (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 46 | MAL Rating: 8.67
Mystical healer Ginko traverses a world inhabited by ancient spirits called Mushi.
Similarities: Episodic tales of humans coexisting with nature reflect Bambi’s ecological themes. Its meditative pacing and visual poetry evoke Bambi’s tranquil moments.
4. Wandering Son (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 11 | MAL Rating: 7.68
Transgender teens Shuichi and Yoshino navigate puberty and societal expectations.
Similarities: Bambi’s exploration of identity and growth finds a mirror here, with delicate storytelling and emotional nuance.
5. Ghost Hound (2007)
Streaming: Retrocrush
Episodes: 22 | MAL Rating: 7.39
Traumatized teens confront supernatural forces tied to their pasts in a rural town.
Similarities: Psychological depth and themes of confronting loss align with Bambi’s emotional weight. Production I.G’s eerie atmosphere heightens tension.
6. Arjuna (2001)
Streaming: No legal streams
Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 6.67
Teen Juna becomes Earth’s avatar, battling ecological collapse caused by human greed.
Similarities: Environmental urgency and a protagonist’s coming-of-age parallel Bambi’s themes. Yoko Kanno’s score enhances its spiritual tone.
7. Flying Witch (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 7.50
Apprentice witch Makoto embraces rural life, blending magic with mundane wonders.
Similarities: Bambi’s pastoral serenity is mirrored here, celebrating nature’s quiet beauty through slice-of-life storytelling.
8. Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
Streaming: HiDive
Episodes: 13 | MAL Rating: 8.03
A boy is thrust into a war-torn dystopia, grappling with innocence lost.
Similarities: Bambi’s stark portrayal of survival and trauma is amplified here, with unflinching emotional stakes.
9. Katanagatari (2010)
Streaming: Prime Video
Episodes: 12 | MAL Rating: 8.30
Swordsman Shichika and strategist Togame seek legendary blades in feudal Japan.
Similarities: Bambi’s focus on legacy and self-discovery resonates in Shichika’s evolution from weapon to human. Unique art style and dialogue-driven pacing stand out.
10. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (2010)
Streaming: Hulu
Episodes: 24 | MAL Rating: 7.60
Half-human Rikuo leads a yokai clan, balancing dual identities.
Similarities: Bambi’s theme of embracing one’s role is reflected in Rikuo’s struggle. Folklore-rich storytelling and Studio Deen’s animation enrich its world.
11. Symphogear (2012)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 65 | MAL Rating: 7.32
Warriors use song-powered armor to combat extraterrestrial threats.
Similarities: Themes of sacrifice and legacy mirror Bambi’s emotional beats. Over-the-top action contrasts with heartfelt character bonds.
12. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
Streaming: No legal streams
Episodes: 13 | MAL Rating: 7.38
Cyborg girls work as government assassins, grappling with humanity.
Similarities: Bambi’s loss of innocence is starkly echoed here, with tragic explorations of agency and compassion.
13. Miyori’s Forest (2007)
Streaming: No legal streams
Episodes: 1 (Film) | MAL Rating: 7.10
A girl bonds with forest spirits to halt a destructive dam project.
Similarities: Direct environmental parallels to Bambi, with Studio Ghibli-esque visuals and themes of guardianship.
14. Haibane Renmei (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
Episodes: 13 | MAL Rating: 8.04
Angel-like beings seek redemption in a walled town.
Similarities: Bambi’s themes of rebirth and belonging are reflected in its ethereal, introspective narrative.
15. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24 | MAL Rating: 8.28
Orphan Chise finds belonging in a mystical world of spirits.
Similarities: Bambi’s journey of finding home is mirrored here, with lush animation and folklore-driven storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Bambi Fans
These series capture Bambi’s essence through emotional resilience, connection to nature, and character-driven growth.
Whether through environmental allegories (Arjuna, Miyori’s Forest) or intimate coming-of-age tales (Wandering Son, Flying Witch), they offer nuanced narratives that prioritize introspection over spectacle.
For fans seeking Bambi’s blend of tenderness and stark reality, these hidden gems deliver profound, often overlooked storytelling.
